PLASTIC bags can now be used to line food recycling caddies in an attempt to increase the amount of food recycling.

New mechanical sorting techniques now mean that it’s possible for South Gloucestershire residents to use ordinary carrier bags in their food recycling caddies.

About a fifth of the waste placed in domestic black bins is food that could be recycled and the council has launched a new campaign to remind residents of the benefits of recycling.

It costs an extra £57,000 to dispose of the 1,000 tonnes of food waste thrown away in South Gloucestershire every month.

Recycling food waste using domestic caddies ensures that it is sent to an anaerobic digestion plant which converts it into fertilizer and electricity.

Chair of the council’s communities committee Cllr Claire Young said: “We know that some people have reservations about using the food caddy. Hopefully this small change in approach will help encourage more people to recycle.

“As the current campaign notes, food waste recycling can save significant amounts of taxpayers’ money as well as benefiting the environment.”

Further information is available at www.southglos.gov.uk/foodrecycling.

Residents can also find out more at roadshows at Waitrose Chipping Sodbury on Saturday, October 25 between 8am and 4pm or at Yate Town Centre on Friday, October 31 between 9am and 4pm.